Storm Improves Special Teams

“Gerald is an impact player that has arena football experience,” said Gooch. “He has shown the ability to be a playmaker on special teams, putting his teams in great field position. We look forward to seeing him in camp."

Young (5-foot-10, 170 lbs., Charleston Southern) enters his third season in the Arena Football League and first in the blue and gold. The Naples, FL native spent the 2015 season with the Las Vegas Outlaws. He started in 5-of-10 games for Las Vegas, catching 22 passes for 293 yards and a touchdown. Young made the biggest impact on special teams with 42 kick returns for 1,003 yards and five touchdowns. He would also go on to set a League single-game record for missed field goal returns, with two for 106 yards and two touchdowns versus the Arizona Rattlers. For his career, Young has three missed field goal returns, all returned for touchdowns.

He began his professional career with Orlando in 2014, appearing in 11 games for the Predators during the regular season. Young caught 24 passes for 355 yards and six touchdowns. He also led the team with 38 kick returns for 739 yards.

Prior to turning pro, Young played four seasons at Charleston Southern. He would become a three-time All-Big South Conference selection and was a member of the Big South Conference All-Decade Team. He finished his collegiate career as the team’s all-time career leader in kick returns (102) and all-purpose yards (5,684). Young also ranks second in team history with 2,096 receiving yards.